With spring in full swing, many of us already have our eyes set on summer and all the outdoor activities that lie ahead. Where long sweltering days that seamlessly transition into balmy evenings under the stars, beach vacations, summer camping, and weekends spent at the river or on the lake are cherished. We relish in these moments of true R&R, letting the pressures and stresses from work melt away like the ice surrounding the cooler of beer at your feet. Ahh yes, we’re almost there, basking in afternoons of easy living and beer-soaked sunsets. Conversely, if you’re into a bit of exploration on the open water during these warmer days, all while catching a quick full-body workout in the process, then there really is no better option than stand-up paddle boarding.
These larger boards, however, can be a bit cumbersome to carry, store, and bring along on your travels. It’s for these obvious reasons that many SUP dealers have begun offering inflatable versions of these highly buoyant boards. In the end, if you’re smart enough to get your hands on the right one, all the pleasures of a standard SUP can be enjoyed in a more modular inflatable version that can be carried on your back and easily stored in your vehicle without hassle. Luckily we’ve done much of the heavy lifting and compiled this short list of eight inflatable SUP boards that are reliable, durable, and ready for many summers of leisurely water-based activities. Get out there.
Ten Toes Weekender
If you’re new to the sport, then there is no better option than the beginner-friendly Ten Toes Weekender. Made with military-grade PVC, this piece is practically indestructible. Its measures in at 10-feet long but is nearly 30-inches wide thus providing you with ample room for balance and weight distribution. You’ll also receive an aluminum paddle, a pump, and repair kit. It also comes with a one year warranty offering a little piece-of-mind this season as well.
iRocker Sport
Boasting the strength of a hard-top board while weighing half as much, the iRocker sport is outfitted for both convenience and fun this summer. It’ll inflate fully to 15 PSI, allowing for a stiff yet reliable board for cruising across your preferred water source, and comes with an adjustable aluminum paddle for good measure. A hand pump, a carry backpack for the deflated SUP, and a two-year warranty come standard with the board too. It’s an ideal option for some warm weather and warm water fun this upcoming season.
Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer
Made from highly durable military-grade PVC, this inflatable SUP is quite similar to normal hard-top paddle boards when fully inflated. It measures in a 9-feet 10-inches, can be inflated up to 15 PSI and boasts a drop-stitch construction for enhanced reliability over the years. It’s durable enough to be run over by a car without acquiring any damage and is user-friendly enough for beginners to enjoy all the benefits of paddle boarding without the necessary experience. The board also includes a pump, adjustable paddle, and comes with a 2-year warranty.
ISLE Airtech
As one of the bigger boards on our list, this 12-foot beast is made for cruising and touring around the local beach or lake. It comes complete with an air tech construction, boasts a wide nose and tail for enhanced stability while out on the open water and is made from military-grade PVC. It’s also large enough for SUP yoga, or to carry along a small travel buddy while out exploring. The complete package comes with a paddle, a carry backpack, and pump as well.
Sea Eagle NeedleNose
For slicing through the water with ease, the Sea Eagle NeedleNose is an ideal option for those looking for speed on the water thanks to their patented design that enables you to pierce through any surface chop with ease. There’s also no upturn and a straight-line hull design for increased speed and performance when you want it. The board measures in at 11’6”, takes about 6 minutes to inflate, and is made with 1000 Denier reinforced drop stitch material while coming with a carrying backpack, paddle, hand pump, and repair kit.
Jobe Aero NEVA
Measuring in a 12’6”, the Jobe is ready to tackle any extended aquatic-based touring mission. It can inflate up to 21 PSI thanks to the board’s double-laminate materials and, with such size, maintaining momentum will be a breeze while cruising across calm lakes and slow moving rivers or bays. The piece also deflates and rolls up tight into an included backpack and comes with a paddle and leash as well. You’ll also get hooked up with a repair kit, pump, an ankle leash, and cell phone case to keep your tech from getting wet in the process.
Red Paddle Ride
Outfitted as one of best all-around inflatable SUP boards out there, the 10’6” Red Paddle Ride is designed to seamlessly float atop smooth surfaces as it is to handle and ride unpredictable surf at your local beach. It’s all possible thanks to just the right amount of rocker in the board’s shape. The Ride is also outfitted with an MSL composite which involves fusing a second layer of polymer to the drop-stitch material that makes up this reliable board. The process results in a lightweight product that’s stiffer at lower pressures and durable enough for years to come.
SIPA Boards Cruiser
For those looking for a little extra assistance while out on the open water, the 11-foot Cruiser is a fantastic option thanks to the fully-integrated jet engine and built-in compressor within the board. That’s right, with the Cruiser you can zip around the local lake, river, or bay with ease. It also features a wireless remote mounted on the paddles, a battery pack, a carrying backpack, leash, and is clearly ready for summer. It’s also the world’s first award-winning E-SUP so any doubt you have about the integrity of a motor-powered SUP board can be tossed by the wayside.
You Got The Board, Now You Need The Gear
For those extended days at the beach, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s a list of 15 beach bag essentials to get you started this summer.
